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Blue Mountains - New South Wales
View of Grose Valley and sandstone escarpments, Blue Mountains © Tourism New South Wales

The Cascades near Katoomba, Blue Mountains © Tourism New South WalesA fine oily mist given off by eucalyptus trees creates a blue haze from which the Blue Mountains get their name. Part of the Great Dividing Range, the area has been a wilderness mountain getaway for Sydneysiders since the late 1800s, particularly in the summer months. This has enabled a solid visitor infrastructure to evolve with lots of eating and accommodation opportunities. The main towns are:

Lawson

Blackheath

Leura

Katoomba

all of which are on the railway line and the ever-expanding highway which runs through to Lithgow and onward.
Despite the expansion of the highway, much of the region is still wild and precipitous and is probably best explored by joining a small group tour - which could include a walking tour if you have reasonable fitness ... see our Walking section.
Another good option is to include a visit to the Blue Mountains in a Self Drive Tour.
Blue Lake outside entrance to Jenolan Caves © Tourism New South Wales As well as the Blue Mountains National Park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ (Blue Mountains), there is the Kanangra-Boyd National Park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ (Kanangra-Boyd) to the south and the vast Wollemi National Park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ (Wollemi) to the north. Apart from the sensational mountain scenery, the other natural wonder in the area is the Jenolan Caves (see picture of entrance, right). If you are staying in Sydney, do not miss a visit to the Blue Mountains, even if it is just a day trip, and do try and get beyond the towns and explore the natural mountain environment.
 
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Truly Australia have attempted to give an honest and objective description of the topics covered on this page and have deliberately avoided regurgitating tourist office media releases. The information shown has been compiled from a variety of reputable sources and our own experiences. We check and review this information from time to time, but we assume no responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the details given.